"A collection of essays by various historians attempting to reassess and revive ideals that once powered revolutionary China and have since become mired in the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party."

After a quarter of a century of market reform, China has become the workshop of the world and the leading growth engine of the global economy. Its immense labour force accounts for some twenty-nine per cent of the world's total labour pool but all too little is known about Chinese labour beyond...

Hooked -- The five star factory -- The physical costs -- The gold rush -- The stirring masses -- The girls of room 817 -- Accounts and accountability -- Delivering the goods -- The future of the China price